Quality of Patch Panels

[avejoe]

I spent today driving four hours to pull a 70 cab. Other than some minor rust in the passenger rocker and kick panel, the cab is near perfect. I'm now getting ready to repair before I paint the cab.

Are there any differences in the quality of patch panels out there (rockers, corners, etc)? Is it worth getting GM rockers?

Any recommendations on vendors?

Thanks!

[Huck]

I have installed replacement aftermarket rockers from 3 different vendors and in every case, they are about 1/4 to 1/3" too short front to rear and leave a gap that needs working. Recently did cab corners and had 3 different sets of corners ---similar result. This is not an indicator about the vendors but the quality of aftermarket patch panels. I'm sure a professional body guy would not have a problem working them but I sure did.
Rockers are easily solved but the cab corners were real frustrating to try to get a decent fit. Keep in mind that you don't really want to change more then you need to when it comes to patch panels. I tended to do a complete panel when in fact I could have just done the face area of the rockers and saved a lot of work. If you have extensive rust, plan on finding ugly stuff behind the surface---ie. you pull the outer rocker and find the inner bad or you find that someone has already replaced a cab support and the old rusted one is crushed inside the replaced one!!
I would buy the "how to" instructional set from efabman "board member" before I would start another body repair project. It would be well worth the $$ spent as he knows his sh@#!
Good luck---Huck

[ZOOMY]

IMO, tri-plus fit the best....ZZ

[avejoe]

Who sells these?

[pickupman]

I agree with Zoomy. I have had the best fit out of the Tri-plus Brand. Most of the board venders carry this brand I Believe. I carry the Triplus brand myself. Just let me know if I can help.
Thanks Bill
Athey's Classic Truck Parts